Accelerate

I should be studying for Latin right about now. Getting behind on Cicero's works isn't the most fun thing that one can do. Cicero was a pretty cool dude. He was a pretty sweet politician and was exiled and stuff. Anyways...


After the digression of style on of their past three albums, this is quite refreshing. R.E.M.'s new CD, Accelerate, came out a few days ago. I listened to it a few times and my response was very positive. The band came out with a more aggressive style than much of what they've previously recorded. Michael Stipe may be aging, but lyrically he is still at the top of his game. Peter Buck's guitar playing is absolutely explosive and confident, driving the music to rock again like the good ol' days. The album features a wide array of styles, from boisterous and jovial tunes to haunting melodies that will leave you slightly chilled but satisfied. My only qualm with the album is that it seems to fly by, as the title suggests. Accelerate notes a fantastic resurgence from a band that's been rocking since a certain president that had a little something to do with the Camp David Accords was in office. That's right, I just made an allusion to Jimmy Carter. The album is a triumph for a band that had nothing to lose, and I hope to see more from this band that is trying to reclaim its throne. R.E.M. will be touring North America along with Modest Mouse and The National this May and June. You can bet I'll be going.

R.E.M.'s Accelerate: 8.5/10